Description

Apple Kids by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Apple Kids is a rare limited edition lithograph by American folk artist P. Buckley Moss, and it captures the innocence, playfulness, and family bond of childhood in a rural setting. The artwork features a group of four children—three boys and one girl—dressed in Moss’s signature elongated folk art style, each holding or surrounding a woven basket filled with bright red apples. At the center stands the girl, her posture both nurturing and confident, flanked by her brothers who bring balance and liveliness to the scene.

A snowy winter landscape frames the children, with delicate trees sketched in the background, evoking a season of both quiet reflection and cherished family traditions. At their feet sit Moss’s iconic black cats, playful companions that often symbolize mystery, independence, and good fortune within her body of work. Together, the children, apples, and cats create a story of togetherness, joy, and the timeless bond of kinship.

Style & Technique

In Apple Kids, Moss brings forward her instantly recognizable folk art style, defined by elongated figures, simple forms, and a restrained but evocative color palette. The children’s clothing is rendered in soft blues, violets, and muted grays, which contrast beautifully with the vivid red apples they carry—a symbol of abundance and vitality.

The round vignette framing softens the composition, creating a sense of intimacy and drawing the viewer into a private winter moment. Lithography enhances the layered textures of snow, sky, and fabric, providing a richness that complements the whimsical elegance of the figures.

The inclusion of the cats adds both visual balance and Moss’s signature storytelling element, reminding viewers of the small but meaningful companions in life’s simple joys.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Apple Kids is one of joyful innocence and familial warmth. The children, though stylized, radiate personality—playful, cooperative, and proud of the apples they carry. The apples themselves carry symbolic weight, representing sustenance, gratitude, and tradition, while the winter setting reflects the resilience of family bonds through all seasons.

Moss often found inspiration in the Amish and Shaker communities, where the values of family, hard work, and simplicity are celebrated. In Apple Kids, those ideals come to life through the young figures, suggesting a continuity of heritage and a hopeful future rooted in shared traditions.

For many viewers, the piece serves as a nostalgic reminder of sibling relationships, family togetherness, and the warmth of childhood memories—even in the quiet hush of winter.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Apple Kids is an uplifting artwork that brings charm, color, and meaning to a variety of spaces:

• Nurseries or children’s rooms, where its joyful innocence makes it an inspiring focal point.

• Dining rooms or kitchens, reinforcing the themes of harvest and family togetherness.

• Living rooms or farmhouse interiors, as a nostalgic reminder of simple traditions.

• Collector displays, where its rarity and inclusion of Moss’s black cats make it especially treasured.

As a gift, Apple Kids is a thoughtful choice for:

• Families with young children, symbolizing unity and joy

• Birthdays, anniversaries, and housewarmings, offering warmth and blessings

• Collectors of P. Buckley Moss’s rare lithographs, particularly those featuring her beloved black cats

Each limited edition print is signed and numbered as part of the publishing process, ensuring authenticity before release.
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Canada Goose Gallery, embossed with our gallery seal on a gold label. (see FAQs)

1986

Rare Art Print

Image Size: 7-3/4 x 9 inches. Paper Size: 12-3/4 x 13 inches.